Applicable Systems
Spectra Series
Symptoms
The EtherCAT communication to the AKD drive is lost. The PLC reports a module fault and the AKD's EtherCAT status LED turns red. The drive continues to hold position if configured.
Possible Causes
- EtherCAT cable disconnected or damaged at the drive RJ45 port
- Incorrect station alias or topology configuration
- EMI from adjacent power cables corrupting EtherCAT frames
- Drive firmware incompatible with PLC EtherCAT master version
Troubleshooting Steps
- Step 1: Check the RJ45 connector and cable continuity with a cable tester
Cable passes continuity and shield tests; link LED is solid green - Step 2: Verify the AKD station alias (rotary switches) matches the PLC configuration
Alias is unique and matches the expected station address - Step 3: Reroute the EtherCAT cable >300 mm from power cables and verify shield grounding at one end
Communication restores and remains stable under load - Step 4: Check AKD firmware version against the PLC EtherCAT master compatibility list
Firmware is within the supported version range or updated to the recommended revision
How to Reset
Acknowledge the communication fault in the PLC after restoring the physical link. The AKD can continue holding position if configured for Hold on Comm Loss. Verify this is intentional.
Common Replacement Parts
- AKD-P00606-NBEC-0000: GE AKD servo drive with EtherCAT option (Verify the -NBEC suffix confirms EtherCAT communication)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Does the AKD stop if EtherCAT fails?
Only if configured to do so. The default behavior for many applications is to hold position or ramp to stop. Check the AKD WorkBench settings.
- Q: What is the maximum EtherCAT cable length?
Up to 100 m between nodes with Cat5e shielded cable. The total network length depends on the number of nodes and cycle time.
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Source: GE AKD Servo Drive EtherCAT Communication Manual, MANUAL-AKD-ECAT
Category: Electrical
Published: 2026-09-23
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